LED streetlight consortium initiates efforts with webcast

A municipal solid state street lighting consortium formed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) will conduct its first event, a webcast that will take place at 10:30 AM PST on May 6, 2010.

The consortium, directed by Edward Smalley of Seattle City Light, will focus on the collection, analysis and distribution of data related to LED roadway lighting to municipal buyers. Smalley will work in collaboration with Jim Brodrick, program manager of the Department of Energy’s solid state lighting efforts, and Bruce Kinzey of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

“The consortium is buyer based, and we want the core membership group to be municipalities, such as cities and counties, as well as municipal utilities,” said Brodrick.

Prospective members can apply to be part of the consortium by completing a form available on the Department of Energy Solid State Lighting website.

According to Smalley, “We are currently limiting membership to municipal buyers to provide a safe and open forum for this group to share the challenges, disappointments and successes in their experiences with LED streetlights.”

LED streetlight manufacturers may be invited as guest presenters at future consortium meetings or webcasts. As information is gathered and analyzed, it will be posted on the consortium’s website hosted by the Department of Energy.

The May 6th webcast will provide an overview of the consortium’s purpose, first steps, and opportunities for the LED streetlight community to participate.